NJ FOOTBALL: West Orange not Top 20 yet, but working toward it

Senior QB Christian Smith (15) has guided West Orange to a 6-1 record and to the top of the North Jersey, Section 1, Group 4 power point table. The Mountaineers next move could be into a spot in The Star-Ledger Top 20.

West Orange is still on the outside of The Star-Ledger Top 20 looking in, but it has its nose pressed right up against the window, carefully watching for just one more slip-up by somebody inside.
Call the 6-1 Mountaineers the No. 21 team in New Jersey at the moment, but don’t bother raising your voice or speaking too long about it if you do care to call them that.
They aren’t listening. At least not to anyone who has a say about where they should or should not be ranked in New Jersey. And that’s the perfect way to conduct themselves as they prepare for Irvington this Saturday and for the remainder of the season.
``Honestly, we don’t care where they put us. It doesn’t matter,’’ senior quarterback Christian Smith said. ``We’ll perform no matter where we are.’’
West Orange conducted an eye-opening exhibition Saturday by running its spread offense to near perfection for a 46-13 win over previously undefeated East Orange Campus (6-1). Smith completed 12 of 21 passes for 221 yards and four touchdowns, senior wideout Josh McNeil had two of those scoring catches and also intercepted a pass for a TD, and junior running back Lance Smith picked up 148 rushing yards and scored twice. Tackle George Christian, linebackers Pascal Louis and Austin Vanderhoof and cornerback Anfernee Larue anchored a stifling West Orange defense.
With that, West Orange handled a Jaguar team that was No. 2 in Essex County and No. 8 in Group 4 behind seven Top 20 teams. East Orange was up near that window itself and would have been able to make a great case for Top 20 inclusion had it defeated West Orange (whose only loss came against No. 5 Seton Hall Prep Oct. 9).
There was one spot made available this week, and Hunterdon Central (6-1) snapped it up with a 28-25 upset over then-No. 7 Phillipsburg Friday night. This is the same Hunterdon Central club that beat No. 20 Linden, 24-7 to open the season.
That doesn’t mean that another team couldn’t possibly leapfrog West Orange into the 20 next week, especially if it struggles against 1-6 Irvington. The porch the Mountaineers are standing on is pretty crowded with talent. But they’re aware of that.
``I definitely think we’re a Top 20 team, but we’ve got to earn that,’’ McNeil said. ``We’ve got to earn that respect from the state, and we definitely plan on doing that the next five games.’’

1-Don Bosco Prep (6-0)
Last week: 1
It can score through the air with QB Gary Nova throwing to junior wide receiver Leonte Carroo or on the ground with bruising back Paul Canevari. Watch for senior LB Lars Larsen on defense. Next: Saturday at Paramus Catholic.

2-Bergen Catholic (6-1)
Last week: 2
The Oradell club spreads it out, which allows QB Tanner McEvoy and RB Spencer Kulcsar to run or McEvoy to throw to Kulcsar or WR Cameron Dickerson. Next: Saturday vs. Hackensack.

4-St. Peter's Prep (5-1)
Last week: 4
The defense, which is sparked by LBs James Fox and James Lancellotti and tackle Dane Longa, has relinquished just eight points in its last three games. Next: Friday at Ferris.

5-Seton Hall Prep (7-0)
Last week: 5
Any first-half deficit--the Prep trailed Livingston by three on Saturday—is but a minor inconvenience with runners like Kevin Monangai and Charlie Kennedy around to carry the ball in the second half. Monangai finished with 310 yards and three TDs. Next: Saturday at East Orange Campus.

6-Holy Spirit (7-0)
Last week: 6
Donta Pollack had another strong outing with 106 rushing yards and three TDs in a 28-7 victory over Hammonton. But his carries may shrink a bit now with standout Nigel Jones back in the lineup after recovering from an ankle injury. Next: Friday at Ocean City.

7-Ramapo (7-0)
Last week: 8
Although it was without RB Jack Bandazian the last two games and WR Matt Bunting two weeks ago, Ramapo continued to win behind the passing of Tyler Ward and the defensive performances of Joe Stefanik, Pat Taranto and Justin Satler. Next: Friday vs. No. 10 Wayne Hills.

8-Sayreville (7-0)
Last week: 9
Offense (Delon Stephenson), defense (Tyler Strauss, Daryl Stephenson) and special teams (Syd Holt) were all on display as Sayreville turned in another masterpiece in the form of a 41-6 victory over East Brunswick. Next: Friday vs. Old Bridge.

9-St. Joseph (Mont.) (4-2)
Last week: 10
After consecutive losses to No. 7 Ramapo and No. 2 Bergen Catholic, the Montvale contingent had a much-needed week off and returns to action featuring the running of Presley Beauvais, the passing of Chris Andrews and the defense of Zach Vinci and Alain Leneus. Next: Saturday vs. Pascack Valley.

11-Matawan (7-0)
Last week: 12
Keith Beaty ran for 81 yards and two touchdowns and caught a TD pass as Matawan beat Holmdel, 49-14, to clinch a share of the Shore Conference-Class A Central division title. Next: Nov. 6 vs. New Brunswick.

12-Lacey (7-0)
Last week: 13
Cameron Blackwell caught two TD passes from Craig Cicardo in a 42-6 victory over Central Regional as Lacey clinched the championship of the Shore Conference-Class B South division. Next: Saturday at Neptune.

16-Immaculata (6-1)
Last week: 15
The defense, led by linebacker Kevin Albert and defensive end Tashawn Bower, held Plainfield to 132 yards and eight first downs in a 40-13 victory. Next: Friday at Elizabeth.

17-Pope John (17-0)
Last week: 16
Kyle McGrath carried 30 times for 200 yards and three touchdowns in a 41-6 victory over Jefferson. Pope John has the most power points in NJSIAA Non-Public, Group 3. Next: Saturday vs. Montville.

18-Paul VI (6-0)
Last week: 18
Johnell Anderson gave usual standout James Kenner a break and picked up 119 rushing yards and scored three times in an impressive 34-18 victory over Winslow. Next: Friday vs. Triton.

19-Williamstown (5-1)
Last week: 19
Harry Ulmer struck four times for TDs, but the defense and special teams also reached the end zone once each in a 49-21 triumph over Kingsway. Next: Friday vs. Shawnee.

20-Linden (5-1)
Last week: 20
Ruhann Peele is a threat to score whether lining up at receiver or in returns for Linden, winner of it last five. Next: Saturday at Westfield.